C hina plans to train 620 captive-bred Siberian tigers to survive in the wild. Organisers say the campaign will be of great significance in conserving and improving the genetic stock of Siberian tigers.
The captive-bred tigers will be shifted from their enclosures in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, to a 15-ha fenced patch of forest near Mount Changbai on the border with North Korea. Under a similar plan, 12 Siberian tigers were released into the Changbai forest training ground four years ago. The animals produced 34 cubs and showed improved abilities in living in the wild. Experts, however, do not appreciate the plan. "Increased human activities have turned tiger habitats into isolated islands, where large tiger groups split into smaller ones resulting in in-breeding and degraded species," Sun Haiyi, head of the Heilongjiang provincial Institute Wildlife, told Xinhua. Experts have suggested making ecology congenial for Siberian tigers. n
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.